JP5008238B2 - Surge prevention device - Google Patents

Abstract

A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression.

Description

[0001]
Background of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for handling a gas such as high pressure oxygen. The present invention also relates to a valve that controls the flow of oxygen and to a system that reduces or prevents high pressure surges.
[0002]
Known high pressure oxygen delivery systems include an oxygen cylinder, a cylinder valve, and a pressure regulator. Oxygen cylinders in the United States are 154.7 kg / cm ² (2200psi) or higher, 210.9kg / cm in other countries ² It is filled with pure oxygen at a pressure in excess of (3,000 psi). In order to stop the flow of oxygen to the pressure regulator, a cylinder valve is attached to the oxygen cylinder. The pressure regulator adjusts the pressure of the tank, ie oxygen cylinder, to 14.1kg / cm ² Designed to reduce pressures below (200 psi). Most pressure regulators in the United States have tank pressures of about 3.5 kg / cm ² Designed to reduce to (50 psi). A typical pressure regulator in Europe has a tank pressure of about 4.2 kg / cm. ² (60 psi).
[0003]
When the valve of the known oxygen system is opened rapidly, an undesirable high pressure surge is applied to the pressure regulator. In this technical field, it is necessary to prevent such a high-voltage surge, and it is necessary to prevent an increase in the temperature of a gas at risk of ignition.
[0004]
Portable oxygen systems used in adverse environments and / or used by unskilled personnel are at high risk of failure of the oxygen pressure regulator. Portable oxygen systems are used for emergency oxygen supplements at accident sites, medical emergencies such as heart attacks, and patient transport. Because of oxygen therapy, patients who are being treated at home using an oxygen concentrator as the primary oxygen source must have an oxygen cylinder in place in case the power supply fails. Even patients who are being treated at home use oxygen cylinders when they move out of the house. Therefore, there is a need for a valve that can reduce or eliminate the occurrence of high pressure surges and that can be easily used in such a portable system. Other uses include use in hospitals that use oxygen cylinders to transport patients. In hospitals, oxygen cylinders are used as emergency reserves.
[0005]
Known surge suppression devices are shown in US Pat. Nos. 3,841,353 (Acomb), 2,236,7662 (Baxter et al.), And 4,172,468 (Ruus). All of these devices have one or more of the following disadvantages. That is, the disadvantages of existing systems are that the pistons are relatively large, so the response is slow, the body is relatively long, the structure is complicated, the price is high, or it is difficult to position the device in various positions It has a simple structure.
[0006]
Acomb, U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,353, discloses a surge-preventing oxygen cylinder having a surge suppression device integrated into the cylinder valve. Since this device performs a function, a force that resists the spring force is required. The force against the spring force in this device is obtained by a stem connected to the valve handle. In addition, when the discharge orifice is clogged, no gas flows through the valve and no gas supply is available for use. In that case, the user assumes that the tank is full, but is empty, and there is a risk of such misunderstanding.
[0007]
U.S. Pat. No. 2,236,762 to Baxter et al. Discloses a pressure shock absorber for a welding system. This device uses an elongate piston with a hole in the center. Since this elongated piston has an increased moment of inertia, there is a disadvantage that the time for the piston to react to a pressure surge is increased. In addition, in order to control the flow rate of the gas flowing through the long hole, strict tolerance is inevitably required. In addition, the apparatus becomes relatively large due to the installation of a spring that abuts the elongated piston.
[0008]
Ruus U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,468 discloses a pressure shock absorber for a delivery system with an oxygen regulator having a two-part elongated piston. The elongated structure of the piston increases the moment of inertia, so the time required for the piston to react to a pressure surge is increased. Also, the two-part piston increases complexity and manufacturing costs. In addition, with this device, when the restricted passage is clogged, there is a danger that the gas will not flow and that, like Acomb's US Pat. No. 3,841,353, the tank is full but may be considered empty.
[0009]
Summary of invention
The present invention provides a first flow path for flowing gas at a first flow rate, a second flow path for flowing gas at a higher flow rate, and moving in a first direction to open the first flow path and open the second flow path. And providing a device having a handle that moves in the second direction and opens the second flow path, greatly eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device is a surge prevention valve.
[0010]
According to one aspect of the present invention, the handle moves in the axial direction to open the first flow path, and moves in the rotational direction to open the second flow path. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle must be moved axially to allow the second flow path to be opened. However, the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail herein.
[0011]
According to another aspect of the invention, a spring is used to press the handle member in a direction opposite to the first direction. Furthermore, a torque unit that can be engaged is adopted to transmit torque from the handle, and the second flow path is opened. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spring is compressed to engage the torque unit.
[0012]
The present invention also relates to a surge prevention valve such as a valve used in a high pressure oxygen cylinder. The surge prevention valve has a housing having an introduction port and a delivery port. The seal unit is used to close the flow path from the inlet to the outlet, and the seal unit is provided with a discharge path. The valve is also provided with an actuator for opening the discharge path and moving the seal unit to open the main flow path.
[0013]
If desired, the seal unit is screwed onto the housing. If comprised in this way, using an actuator, a seal unit will be spirally moved to approach and separate from a valve seat, and a main channel will be opened. Furthermore, a valve rod may be provided to close the discharge path. The valve rod is installed so as to slide into the seal unit.
[0014]
The invention also relates to a method of operating a high pressure valve. This method moves the handle in a direction that allows gas to flow in the first path at a first flow rate (1), and then moves the handle in a second direction that causes gas to flow in the second path at a higher flow rate. Step (2). The method also includes the step of closing the valve. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes flowing oxygen through the pressure regulator to the user or to the device of interest (such as an artificial respirator). This method is used to gradually increase the flow rate into the pressure regulator to prevent the formation of high pressure surges in the system.
[0015]
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method for opening the valve comprises the step (1) of moving the handle button within the handle in a direction that allows gas to flow through the first path at the first flow rate. And (2) moving the entire handle in the second direction in which gas flows in the second path at a higher flow rate. According to one aspect of the invention, the direction that allows the gas to flow is the axial direction and the second direction is the rotational direction.
[0016]
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings of several embodiments. .
[0017]
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Referring to the drawings in which like elements are designated by like numerals, FIG. 1 shows an oxygen supply system 10 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated system 10 is described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific gist of the illustrated system 10.
[0018]
In FIG. 1, the oxygen supply system 10 includes a pressure regulator 12, a conduit 14 for flowing oxygen from the pressure regulator 12 to a patient (not shown), an oxygen source 16, and oxygen flowing out of the oxygen source 16. And a columnar valve 20 for preventing the above. The oxygen source 16 is an oxygen cylinder, for example. As will be described in more detail below, the valve 20 is arranged to prevent high pressure surges from occurring in the pressure regulator 12 when the valve 20 is opened. In addition to oxygen, the present invention can also be used to handle nitrous oxide and other concentrated oxidants. The present invention can also be used in systems other than medical systems. For example, it can be applied to an oxygen welding apparatus.
[0019]
In FIG. 2, the valve 20 has a housing 22 having an inlet 24 and a delivery port 26. The inlet 24 is connected to the oxygen source 16. The delivery port 26 is connected to the pressure regulator 12. Further, the valve 20 has a seal unit 28, a valve rod 30, and an actuator unit 32. The seal unit 28 has an annular elastic seal pad 34 for sealing the valve seat 36. A passage 37 is provided to allow oxygen to flow through the pad 34 and into the first bypass space 38 in the seal unit 28. Further, the seal unit 28 has a second bypass space 40 and a discharge path 42.
[0020]
The upper end 44 of the valve rod 30 is fixed inside the actuator unit 32. The lower end of the valve rod 30 is slidably installed in the second bypass space 40. The valve rod 30 has a small diameter portion 46 and a conical lower end 48. With the exception of the small diameter portion 46 and the lower end 48, the remainder of the valve rod 30 has a circular cross section with a substantially constant diameter. The upper opening 50 of the first bypass space 38 is sealed by the lower end 48 of the rod 30 at the position shown in FIG.
[0021]
As described in more detail below, the valve rod 30 is moved downward through the seal unit 28 to the position shown in FIG. In the position of FIG. 3, the small diameter portion 46 is located in the upper opening 50 of the first bypass space 38. The cross-sectional area of the small diameter portion 46 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the upper opening 50. Thus, oxygen flows through the top opening 50 when the valve rod 30 is in the position of FIG.
[0022]
The seal unit 28 is connected to the housing 22 by suitable screws 62. By rotating the seal unit 28 in the first direction relative to the housing 22, the seal pad 34 is moved, and the screw 62 is arranged so that the seal pad 34 engages with the valve seat 36 and seals. By rotating the seal unit 28 in the opposite direction, the seal pad 34 is moved away from the valve seat 36 to the open position shown in FIG. In this open position, oxygen flows through the valve seat 36 around the seal unit 28 and into the outlet 26 in the direction of arrow 64. In order to prevent oxygen from flowing around the seal unit 28 above the outlet 26, an O-ring 66 or other suitable seal is provided between the seal unit 28 and the housing 22.
[0023]
The actuator unit 32 includes a piston unit 70, a handle 72 fixed to the piston unit 70, and a cover 74. The piston unit 70 is installed so as to slide in the cover 74. The piston unit 70 can also rotate within the cover 74 as will be described in more detail below. Piston unit 70 is pressed upward by coil spring 76 (away from seal unit 28). If necessary, the cover 74 may be screwed onto the housing 22.
[0024]
A torque unit is formed by openings 78 and 80 formed in the piston unit 70 and pins 82 and 84 fixed to the seal unit 28. As shown in FIG. 3, when the piston unit 70 is pressed downward against the pressing force of the coil spring 76, the pins 82 and 84 are accommodated in the openings 78 and 80. When the pins 82 and 84 are accommodated in the openings 78 and 80, torque applied to the handle 72 is transmitted to the seal unit 28. Accordingly, when torque is manually applied to the handle 72 in the first direction, the seal unit 28 is moved further down into the housing 22 and the seal pad 34 is pressed to the seal position shown in FIG. When the torque is applied in the opposite direction, the seal pad 34 is spirally moved away from the valve seat 36 and moved to the open position shown in FIG.
[0025]
The present invention is not limited to the specific gist and means of surge prevention valve 20 described and illustrated herein. Thus, for example, the torque unit may be formed by the opening of the seal unit 28 and the pin secured to the piston 70, and various other devices and mechanisms may be used to implement the present invention. Also good.
[0026]
In this way, the valve 20 is closed at the position shown in FIG. In this closed position, oxygen cannot flow between the seal pad 34 and the valve seat 36. Further, in the closed position, the valve rod 30 seals the upper opening 50 of the first bypass space 38, and oxygen is The first flow path is configured together with the first bypass space 38. It cannot flow into the second bypass space 40. If necessary, a suitable O-ring 88 may be provided to form an airtight seal against the valve rod 30 in the upper opening 50.
[0027]
The valve 20 is open at the position shown in FIG. In this open position, as described above, oxygen passes through the valve seat 36 and arrows 64. 2nd flow path shown by , Flows around the seal unit 28 and flows out through the valve outlet 26. In order to move the valve 20 from the closed position to the open position, the user first manually engages the handle 72 against the pressing force of the spring 76 until the pins 82, 84 are located in the openings 78, 80. Apply downward force. The downward force applied to the handle 72 moves the piston unit 72 in the axial direction toward the seal unit 28. Next, the user applies torque to the handle 72 in the opening rotation direction, and rotates the seal unit 28 in a spiral manner so as to leave the valve seat 36. This torque is transmitted through the piston unit 70 and also through the torque units 78 to 84, and the sealed seal unit 28 is rotated. In the illustrated configuration, the seal unit 28 cannot be rotated by the handle 72 unless the spring 76 is in the compressed position shown in FIG. 3 and the torque units 78 to 84 are engaged. If the torque units 78 to 84 are engaged, the seal unit 28 can be rotated.
[0028]
When the handle 72 is pressed downward to engage the torque units 78 to 84, the small diameter portion 46 of the valve rod 30 is moved into the upper opening 50 of the first bypass space 38. When the small diameter portion 46 is located in the upper opening 50, oxygen flows into the second bypass space 40 and flows through the discharge path 42. Oxygen can begin to flow through the top opening 50 while the handle 72 is moving downward before the torque units 78-84 are fully engaged. In the illustrated configuration, the handle 72 needs to move to the intermediate position of FIG. 3 before the seal unit 28 can be spirally lifted from the valve seat 36. Opening the valve 20 requires a two-step sequential operation of “push” and then “twist”, which is very similar to the two-step operation required to open the safety cap of the medical bottle. . If the user does not push the handle 72 downward, the seal unit 28 is not engaged, and the piston unit 70 simply rotates within the cover 74. However, the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described herein.
[0029]
Accordingly, the illustrated valve 20 may move the seal pad 34 away from the valve seat 36 before moving it. As a first flow path through the first bypass space 38 and the second bypass space 40 Oxygen is released into the outlet 26 through the discharge path 42. Because a small amount of oxygen is released through the restricted discharge path 42 during the short time required to engage the torque units 78-84, the next time the valve 20 is opened, a high pressure surge is introduced into the system 10. Generation | occurrence | production can fully be prevented. Thus, the pressure regulator 12 (see FIG. 1) was controlled relatively slowly before the high pressure oxygen sufficiently flowed through the valve 20. First Filled with flow rate. In the valve open position (see FIG. 4), the flow rate of oxygen through the valve seat 36 is significantly higher than the flow rate through the discharge passage 42 in the intermediate position shown in FIG.
[0030]
In this preferred method of operation, the user first depresses the handle 72 until the pressure stabilizes in the valve 20. Thereby, the first flow path, that is, the first bypass space 38 is opened, and oxygen is allowed to flow at a moderate flow rate. The time required to push the handle 72 downward and open the valve 20 is sufficient for the desired gradual pressurization of the pressure regulator 12. The ability of the valve 20 to release sufficient oxygen to the outlet 20 within the available time can be controlled, for example, by appropriately selecting the cross-sectional area of the discharge path 42. If necessary, the discharge passage 42 may be formed by drilling a desired opening in the seal unit 28. Larger or smaller discharge paths can be created by larger or smaller drills.
[0031]
Even if the user tries to ignore this preferred operation method or the first bypass space 38 or the discharge passage 42 is clogged, as long as the user gently twists the handle 72, it is safer. Therefore, the user may receive an instruction to gently twist the handle 72. Appropriately following the instructions relating to twisting the handle 72, the valve 20 can still prevent high pressure surges in the pressure regulator 12 without the aid of the first bypass space 38 or the discharge passage 42. However, the present invention is not limited to the particular valve members 34, 36 and discharge channel 42 configurations shown and described herein.
[0032]
In the open position shown in FIG. 4, almost all oxygen flow through the valve 20. The second flow rate of oxygen Is arrow 64 2nd flow path shown by It does not flow through the discharge path 42. Accordingly, the discharge passage 42 is not blocked by the fouling small particles in the gas flow. Even if the discharge path 42 is clogged, the valve 20 will still operate to still supply oxygen to the intended actuator.
[0033]
In order to close the valve 20, the user presses the handle 72 downward against the pressing force of the spring 76 and engages the torque units 78 to 84. Next, while the spring 76 is compressed, the user twists the handle 72 with his hand and moves the seal unit 28 in a spiral manner to contact the valve seat 36 and return it to sealing. . Here, if the downward pressure applied to the handle 72 is released, the spring 76 pulls the end 48 of the valve rod 30 back to the sealed position in the upper opening 50 of the first bypass space 38.
[0034]
FIG. 5 shows a valve 100 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, which has a housing 130 having an inlet 140 and an outlet 114. The inlet 140 is connected to the oxygen source 16. The delivery port 114 is connected to the pressure regulator 12. Further, the valve 100 includes a seal unit 124, a valve rod 106, and an actuator unit 142. The seal unit 124 has an annular elastic seal pad 144 for sealing the valve seat 146. A first bypass 138 is provided to allow oxygen to flow through the pad 144 to the seal unit 124. The seal unit 124 also has a discharge path 118.
[0035]
The upper end 160 of the valve rod 106 is secured in the handle button 104. The lower part of the valve rod 106 is installed so that it can slide in the 2nd bypass space 116 and the valve space 162. FIG. The valve rod 106 has a small diameter portion 110 and a conical lower end 132. Except for the small diameter portion 110 and the lower end 132, the remaining portion of the valve rod 106 has a circular cross section with a substantially constant diameter. Due to this cross-sectional configuration of the valve rod 106, the lower end 132 of the rod 106 in the position shown in FIG. To do. As shown in FIG. 6, the O-ring 136 combined with the lower end 132 of the valve rod 106 is the only component that forms the seal 204 between the first bypass space 138 and the second bypass space 116. Furthermore, regardless of the position of the valve rod 106, a continuous passage 202 exists between the first bypass space 138 and the exposed lower surface of the O-ring 136. Thus, gas can pass through the top opening 164. In the illustrated system, as a backup plate that holds the O-ring 136 so that the O-ring 136 is not blown into the opening 128 even if someone first tries to fill the gas source 16 without opening the valve 100. The top opening 164 is useful.
[0036]
As will be explained in more detail below, the valve rod 106 moves downward and through the seal unit 124 to the position shown in FIG. In the position of FIG. 7, the small diameter portion 110 is in the first bypass space 138 and the second bypass space 116. The cross-sectional area of the small diameter portion is smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the first bypass space 138 and the second bypass space. Accordingly, oxygen flows through the first bypass opening 138 and the second bypass opening 116 when the valve rod 106 is in the position of FIG.
[0037]
The seal unit 124 is connected to the housing 130 by a suitable screw 126. By rotating the seal unit 24 in the first direction with respect to the housing 130, the screw 126 is arranged so that the seal pad 144 is engaged with the valve seat 146 and sealed. By rotating the seal unit 124 in the opposite direction, the seal pad 144 is moved away from the valve seat 146 to the open position shown in FIG. In this open position, oxygen flows through the valve seat 146 around the seal unit 124 in the direction of arrow 170 and flows into the outlet 144.
[0038]
The actuator unit 142 includes a handle button 104, a handle 102 surrounding the handle button 104, a socket structure 112, and a handle cover 154. The handle button 104 and the socket structure 112 are pressed upward (away from the seal unit 124) by the coil spring 108. If necessary, the cover 154 is screwed onto the housing 130.
[0039]
A torque unit is formed by the pins 120 and 156 formed on the handle 152 and the pins 122 and 158 fixed to the seal unit 124 together with the socket structure 112. As shown in FIG. 7, when the handle button 104 is pressed downward against the pressing force of the spring 108, the four pins 122, 158, 120, and 156 are accommodated in the socket structure 112. In the position of FIG. 7, the socket structure 112 moves the pins 122, 158, 120, 156 as a unit. Therefore, the torque applied to the handle 102 is transmitted to the seal unit 124. Thus, torque is manually applied to the handle 102 in the first direction, moving the seal unit 124 further down into the housing 130 and pressing the seal pad 144 to the sealed position shown in FIG. Further, torque is applied in the opposite direction and the seal pad 144 is spirally moved to the open position shown in FIG. 8 away from the valve seat 146.
[0040]
The valve 100 is closed at the position shown in FIG. In this closed position, oxygen cannot flow between the seal pad 144 and the valve seat 146. Further, in this closed position, the O-ring 136 and the valve rod 106 seal the first bypass space 138, and oxygen cannot flow into the second bypass space 116. As described above, if necessary, a suitable O-ring 136 can be provided to form an airtight seal against the valve rod 106 in the upper opening 164.
[0041]
In the position shown in FIG. 8, the valve 100 is open. As described above, in this open position, oxygen flows through the valve seat 146 around the seal unit 124 in the direction of arrow 170 and through the valve outlet 114. In order to move the valve 100 from the closed position to the open position, the user first manually pushes the handle button 104 downward against the pressing force of the spring 108. Since the socket structure 112 is integrated with the valve rod 106, the socket structure 112 also moves downward to the surrounding position against the pressing force of the spring 108. For example, the socket structure 112 can be fixed to the valve rod 106 by press fitting or adhesive.
[0042]
Pushing the handle button 104 downward moves the valve rod 106 axially toward the seal unit 124 and engages the pins 122, 158, 120, 156 within the socket structure 112. Next, the user applies torque to the handle 102 in the opening rotation direction, and rotates the seal unit 124 in a spiral shape so as to be separated from the valve seat 146. This torque is transmitted through the handle 102 and through the torque units 112, 120, 122, 156, 158 and rotates the sealed seal unit 124. In the illustrated configuration, the seal unit 124 cannot be rotated by the handle 102 unless the spring 108 is in the compressed position shown in FIG. 7 and the torque units 112, 120, 122, 156, 158 are engaged. If the torque units 112, 120, 122, 156, 158 are engaged, the seal unit 124 can be rotated. As shown in the drawings, the handle button 104 is formed as part of the handle 102, and the handle button 104 is advantageously placed so that it can be operated by the thumb of the hand holding the handle 102.
[0043]
In order to engage the torque units 112, 120, 122, 156, 158, the small-diameter portion 110 of the valve rod 106 is moved into the upper opening 164 of the first bypass space 138 by pressing the handle button 104 downward. When the small diameter portion 110 is in the upper opening 164, oxygen flows into the second bypass space 116 and flows through the discharge path 118. Before the torque units 112, 120, 122, 156, 158 are fully engaged and the handle button 104 is moving downward, oxygen can begin to flow through the top opening 164. In the illustrated configuration, the handle button 104 needs to move to the intermediate position of FIG. 7 before the seal unit 124 can spirally rise from the valve seat 138. To open the valve 100, a two-step sequential operation of “pushing” and then “twisting” is required. If the user does not press the handle button 104 downward, the seal unit 124 is not engaged and the handle 102 simply rotates within the cover 154.
[0044]
Thus, the illustrated valve 100 releases oxygen into the outlet 114 through the discharge path 118 before the seal pad 144 moves away from the valve seat 146. That is, during the short time required to engage the torque units 112, 120, 122, 156, 158, a small amount of oxygen is released through the restricted passage 118, during which time the valve 100 is then opened. Is sufficient to prevent high voltage surges from occurring in the system 10. Therefore, before the high pressure oxygen completely flows through the valve 100, the pressure regulator 12 (see FIG. 1) is filled relatively slowly at a controlled flow rate. In the valve open position (see FIG. 8), the flow rate of oxygen through the valve seat 146 is significantly higher than the flow rate of oxygen through the discharge path 118 in the intermediate position shown in FIG.
[0045]
In this preferred method of operation, the user first presses the handle button 104 until the pressure stabilizes in the valve 100. The time to depress the handle button 104 to allow the valve 100 to open is sufficient for the desired gradual pressurization of the pressure regulator 12. The ability of the valve 100 to release sufficient oxygen into the outlet 114 within this available time can be controlled, for example, by selecting an appropriate cross-sectional area for the discharge path 118.
[0046]
In the open position shown in FIG. 8, almost all oxygen flowing through the valve 100 flows in the direction of arrow 170 but does not flow through the discharge path 118. Thus, the discharge path 118 is not clogged by fouling small particles that are carried into the gas stream. Even if the discharge path 118 is clogged, the valve 100 still operates to supply oxygen to the intended actuator.
[0047]
To close the valve 100, the user grasps the handle 102 and simultaneously presses the handle button 104 against the pressing force of the spring 108 to engage the torque units 112, 120, 122, 156, 158. . Next, while compressing the spring 108, the user manually twists the handle 102 and returns the seal unit 124 to move in a spiral and contact the valve seat 146 for sealing. Next, the spring 108 pulls the end 132 of the valve rod 106 to a sealed position relative to the O-ring 136 in the upper opening 164 of the first bypass space 138, releasing the downward pressure on the handle button 104. return.
[0048]
The foregoing description and drawings are merely illustrative of the preferred embodiments that can achieve the objects, gist and advantages of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described in detail herein. The present invention can be variously modified within the scope of the invention described in the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of an oxygen supply system constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view of the surge prevention valve of the system of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is another cross-sectional view of the surge prevention valve of FIG. 2 at the next stage of operation.
FIG. 4 is yet another cross-sectional view of the surge prevention valve of FIG. 2 at another stage of operation.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a surge prevention valve constructed according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
6 is an enlarged view of a lower portion of the surge prevention valve of FIG.
7 is another cross-sectional view of the surge prevention valve of FIG. 5 at the next stage of operation.
8 is yet another cross-sectional view of the surge prevention valve of FIG. 5 at another stage of operation.

Claims (15)

An apparatus (10) for handling pressurized oxygen,
A first flow path (38, 40) for flowing oxygen at a first flow rate into the device;
A second flow path (64) for flowing oxygen through the device at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate;
A handle (72) capable of moving in a first direction to open the first flow path (38, 40) and moving in a second direction different from the first direction to open the second flow path (64). In the device comprising:
A surge prevention valve (20) for preventing surge is provided, and this surge prevention valve (20)
A housing (22) having an introduction port (24), a delivery port (26), and the second flow path (64) from the introduction port (24) to the delivery port (26);
A seal unit (28) having the first flow path (38, 40) and the handle (72) and closing the second flow path (64);
With
The handle (72) moves linearly in the first direction to open the first flow path (38, 40), and from the handle (72) to the seal unit (28). A torque unit (78 to 84) that can be engaged with each other to transmit torque, and constitutes an actuator that moves the entire seal unit (28) to open the second flow path (64),
After the handle (72) is linearly moved in the first direction, the handle (72) and the seal unit (28) are engaged with each other via the torque units (78 to 84). By moving the handle (72) in the second non-linear direction , the seal unit (28) is moved in a third direction opposite to the first direction to cause the second direction. A pressurized oxygen handling apparatus characterized in that the flow path (64) is opened.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first direction is an axial direction.   The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second direction is a rotational direction. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a spring (76) that presses the handle (72) in a third direction opposite the first direction. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle (72) comprises a button (104) moving in the first direction and a handle member (112) moving in the second direction. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a screw (62) connecting said seal unit (28) to said housing (22) . The housing has a valve seat (36), wherein the actuator is arranged to open the second flow path (64) by moving the seal unit (28) spirally away from the valve seat (36). Item 6. The device according to item 6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the engageable torque unit (78-84) comprises a pin (82, 84) and an opening (78, 80) for receiving the pin. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the spring (76) presses the torque unit (78-84) to an unengaged position. Wherein the actuator includes a cover (154), said handle (72) is slidably and rotatably supported by the cover (154) in said cover (154) whereas the housing (22) 10. The device of claim 9 , which is secured. A surge prevention valve (20) for preventing surges,
A housing (22) having an introduction port (24), a delivery port (26), and a second flow path (64) from the introduction port (24) to the delivery port (26);
A seal unit (28) having a first flow path (38, 40) and a handle (72) and closing the second flow path (64);
In the method of operating the surge prevention valve of the pressurized oxygen handling apparatus comprising the surge prevention valve, the method comprises the following steps:
Moving the valve rod (30) in a first direction by linearly moving at least a portion of the handle (72) to flow oxygen through the first flow path (38, 40) at a first flow rate; ,
Wherein after the linear movement, becomes a torque engagement state the handle (72) relative to said handle (72) is the sealing unit so that it can be moved to a non-linear second direction (28), said handle (72) is moved in the second non-linear direction to cause the seal unit (28) to move in a third direction opposite to the first direction, thereby causing the first flow rate to be greater than the first flow rate. Flowing oxygen through the second flow path (64) at two flow rates. The method of claim 11 , wherein moving the handle (72) comprises rotating the handle (72) to an open position. 12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising pressing at least a portion of the handle (72) in an axial direction from a first axial position to a second axial position against a pressing force of a spring (76). 12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of flowing oxygen at the second flow rate to the pressure regulator (12) and then to the actuator. 15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the actuator is a patient face mask, and the face mask is operatively connected to the pressure regulator.

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